Lois Allquist Chase died on February 24, 2007 after a lengthy illness.

Lois was born April 2, 1919 to Emil and Lillie (Reay) Allquist in Avon (Mt. Vernon), Washington. Lois graduated from Mount Vernon High School and Skagit Valley College. She received her B.A. degree from Central Washington State University (at Ellensburg). She taught elementary school in King County during the Second World War and later at Lincoln Elementary School in Mount Vernon.

Besides her parents, Lois was preceded in death by her infant daughter, Jan Louise Chase, her sister Mabel Ewing, her great-nephew, Randy Jennings, her nephew J. Scott Allquist, and her brother John Emil Allquist.

Lois is survived by her husband, Cleve, her sister and brother-in-law, June and H.C. (Bud) Cannon, her sisters-in-law, Norma Allquist and Flora Chase Hamburg, her nieces and nephews, her cousins, and several close friends from her volunteer work and bridge clubs. She is also survived by her many fine neighbors, and pastor Edd Denton and the congregants at Avon United Methodist Church.

Lois married Cleve C. Chase May 29, 1946. Lois and Cleve first met on a blind date (arranged by their sisters Mabel and Flora) at the 1939 Sedro-Woolley Loggerodeo. The rest was history. They married after Cleve completed his overseas army service during the Second World War. They settled on their "farmette" in the middle of strawberry fields in what is now incorporated Burlington.

Lois was a lifetime resident of Skagit County. Her great-grandfather emigrated from Grand Manan Island, Canada in the 1870s and her Swedish grandparents arrived in Skagit County in the 1880s. Most of her pioneer family settled and farmed in western Skagit County and she grew up on her parents' farm on Beaver Marsh Road near Avon.

Lois loved camping, fishing, hunting, gardening, and just about all outdoor activities. Cleve was very familiar with all the old logging roads in the upriver areas, and he and Lois spent years exploring in the woods and along the creeks. They introduced family and friends to many areas of the North Cascades, including some Lois' favorite spots on the Sauk River. She also loved visiting and playing bridge with her many life long friends.

Lois belonged to the Avon United Methodist Church (where she had attended services as a girl), the Cora Jennings Orthopedic Guild, and, for many years, a Skagit County garden club. Lois was also a long-time volunteer at the Skagit Valley Hospital.

The family is grateful for the loving and professional care Lois had from the staff at the Family Comfort Home in Sedro-Woolley. Natividad, Patty, Sheila, Stephanie, Eloisa, and Alex - thank you.

Lois' burial will be a private family service. Friends and family are invited to a reception at the Avon United Methodist Church on Thursday, March 1st at 2:00.

Remembrances in lieu of flowers can be made to: Children's Orthopedic Hospital in Seattle, Hospice of Skagit Valley, Avon United Methodist Church, or preferred charity.

Published in Skagit Valley Herald Publishing Company on February 27, 2007